Our Grand Ole Experience at the Opry

The Grand Ole Opry radio show has been entertaining country music lovers since 1925. As the longest running radio show in the nation, it is more than entertainment, it is a piece of history. Artists who have performed on the Opry stage include Minnie Pearl, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Alison Krauss, and Little Jimmy Dickens (who is 90 years old and still performs at every show!). On Tuesday, Brandon and I had the opportunity to share in the rich history of the Opry. 

Brandon and I at the Opry.

Brandon at the Opry House.

A Minnie Pearl act before the show - SUPER funny!

We've been told that the Tuesday night shows at the Opry are the best because many artists travel on weekends, then come back to Nashville during the week. The line-up this past Tuesday began with John Conlee. John is an older artist, but he is a great performer! He was funny and his songs, though classic, rocked the house. A new country artist, Brett Eldredge, performed after John. You might know Brett by his single "Raymond" (you can find it on iTunes). Sunny Sweeney was next on the list - she has a few songs out at the moment including "From a Table Away" and "Staying's Worse Than Leaving". Brandon and I didn't enjoy her act too much though because we felt she lacked passion for her music. Steel Magnolia performed after Sunny. They were ok, but didn't offer much stage presence. They also performed without their band, so their set was more of a coffeehouse performance than an Opry show. 

John Conlee

Brett Eldredge

Sunny Sweeney

Steel Magnolia

Steel Magnolia, again. 

The next act was Mandy Barnett. Mandy is the actress that plays Patsy Cline in the show "Always...Patsy Cline". She sang three songs from the show, "Crazy", "Walkin' After Midnight", and "Faded Love". She was AMAZING! Her voice was made for musical theatre. After Mandy, we heard Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder. Ricky is known for his bluegrass music, which was very fun to listen to. The next act stole the show - Little Jimmy Dickens (remember he's 90) is one small package of fun! He came on stage in his rhinestone-clad outfit, cowboy boots, and his guitar with a sparkly strap and he wowed the crowd. He was so funny and told jokes between his songs. It was evident that even in his old age, he lives to entertain. 

Mandy Barnett

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Ricky Skaggs

Little Jimmy Dickens

Isn't he adorable? 

The final act was Dierks Bentley. Dierks is a favorite of mine and the reason we bought tickets to this particular show. Dierks sang "Am I the Only One", "Up on the Ridge", and "What Was I Thinking". He put on a very good show and we hope to see him again in the future! 

Dierks Bentley

This one makes him look dreamy, huh?

Our first experience at the Opry was wonderful! We enjoyed the intimacy of the setting because it allowed the performers to talk, joke, and show the crowd their personalities a bit. We highly recommend anyone taking a trip out to the Opry if you haven't already, and if you have, you should go again - we sure will!